Week 2 Patriots vs Jaguars: Who gets the game ball from New England’s 31-20 loss? The New England Patriots suffered their first defeat of the 2018 season earlier today: New England went on the road and was beaten 31-20 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a lackluster performance by the reigning AFC champions in all three phases of the game – but one that still had at least some silver linings. Let’s take a look at three of them.QB Tom BradyDespite being under constant pressure especially early during the contest Youth Tom Brady Jersey , Brady was still able to deliver a solid performance. He was not perfect by any means, but the future Hall of Famer again was the reason why the Patriots were in the game up until almost the very end. Along the way, the 41-year old completed 24 of his 35 pass attempts for 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns – while also converting a third down at one point on a 10-yard scramble.RB Sony MichelThe numbers – 10 rushes for 34 yards and one catch for seven more – tell only half the story when it comes to Sony Michel’s NFL debut. Going against one of the league’s top defensive fronts, the 31st overall selection of this year’s draft displayed some of the traits that made him a first-round pick: he was powerful as a runner White Lawrence Guy Jersey , and used all over the formation. Certainly an encouraging first step from the Patriots’ future number one running back.RB James WhiteWhile Michel’s performance was encouraging, James White’s was actually productive: the Patriots’ primary receiving back was the team’s most potent offensive playmaker today and finished with seven receptions for 73 yards and three carries for 11 yards. Serving as Tom Brady’s safety blanket and primary target in the passing game, White helped keep the passing game on track even when others failed to step up.With all that in mind, who is your choice for this week’s game ball? The Patriots knew the risk when they sent a fifth-round pick (and got back a seventh-round pick) for former Browns receiver Josh Gordon. And there was a reward http://www.authenticsnewenglandpatriots....ler-jersey , at least for part of the season.But after 40 catches for 720 yards (most on the team) and three touchdowns in 11 starts, Gordon is now gone. He says it’s “for a bit,” but it could be for a lot longer. And now the Patriots will have to replace a guy who had become a reliable target for quarterback Tom Brady, and who placed plenty of stress on opposing defenses.The receiving corps will feature Julian Edelman White Jeremy Hill Jersey , Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Matthew Slater (who rarely plays receiver). Given that tight end Rob Gronkowski hasn’t been himself this year http://www.authenticsnewenglandpatriots....ung-jersey , the absence of Gordon won’t make it any easier for the Patriots to get their magic back.The sudden departure of Gordon also brings back into focus the curious decision to keep him off the field for the final play from scrimmage against the Steelers. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels explained the move on Tuesday, claiming that there was “no ulterior motive.” Whatever the motive, the circumstances may not better explain why the Patriots, who quite possibly knew that Gordon wouldn’t be around much longer White Trent Brown Jersey , opted to go with guys who would have to step up eventually, so why not at that moment?